Troublemaker’s Guide to Immortality

Yun Jin pretended not to notice the Iron-Eating Beast's internal struggle and sighed. "Since it doesn't like me today, I won't force it. Elder Ling, I appreciate your kindness, but if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."

Ling Fei, still processing the whiplash of emotions, opened his mouth to dissuade her—

But Yun Jin was already turning away, resolute.

Seeing her actually about to leave, the Iron-Eating Beast panicked. With speed belying its chubby frame, it zipped forward and latched onto her pant leg.

"Iron-Eater?" Yun Jin's lips curled imperceptibly as she feigned surprise. "Here to say goodbye? Understood. Thank you."

The beast's eye twitched.

Was this human dense?

It, the magnificent Iron-Eating Beast, was right here! Couldn't she beg a little harder?

A few more pleas, and it would've reluctantly agreed!

It shot Yun Jin desperate looks, willing her to take the hint.

At least promise it something! Give it a dignified exit!

After all—

"Beastfolk are never slaves… unless food and housing are included!"

Yun Jin played oblivious, patting its head. "I know you value freedom. Don't worry—I won't force you."

The beast's pupils dilated.

Wait.

That's it?!

No forcing?

What kind of half-hearted courtship was this?!

"Let go now," Yun Jin said breezily. "In eight or ten years, we'll meet again."

Eight. Or. Ten. Years.

The Iron-Eating Beast's face crumpled like a stepped-on bun.

Finally, defeated by her infuriating obtuseness, it mumbled, "...Do you provide meals and lodging?"*

Yun Jin blinked. "Isn't that basic?"

"And you said you'd help me confront my ex-master,"* it added pointedly.

"Only if we're contracted," Yun Jin said innocently. "Otherwise, why would I pick fights for you?"

The beast's eyes turned brimmingly accusatory.

How was she this clueless?!

It had clearly changed its mind!

But faced with Yun Jin's dense sincerity, the Iron-Eating Beast surrendered.

Fine. Fine! If its new master was an idiot, it would take charge.

With a dramatic flourish, it bit its own paw—

A drop of blood floated toward Yun Jin.

"It's initiating a blood contract," Ling Fei hurriedly explained. "Xiao Jin, offer your blood to merge with its drop."

Yun Jin obliged, pricking her finger.

The two drops fused midair, shimmering into liquid gold.

Normally, Ling Fei would mediate the pact—

But this time, he stood back, watching as the Iron-Eating Beast wove the contract itself, paws moving in intricate seals.

An active beast-initiated bond was rarer, deeper, and far harder to break.

But the risks were asymmetrical.

If abandoned, the beast would suffer catastrophic backlash—power loss, or even death.

For a once-betrayed creature to choose this path?

It was a leap of faith.

As the contract settled, Yun Jin felt a thread snap into place between them—a pulse of shared vitality.

"Elder Ling," she asked, "is this… different from standard contracts?"

Ling Fei sighed softly and explained, "If I had hosted the process, it would have been a mutual contract, where either party could sever ties with some cost but without harm. However, since it initiated the bond, this is a one-way contract. It's not as absolute as a master-servant pact, but from now on, it will never be able to end the contract on its own."

He hesitated, then added, "But you, on the other hand, can choose to abandon it. If you do, the contract will backlash against it. In severe cases, it could die."

A hint of surprise passed through Yun Jin's eyes.

In her past life, she never had the chance to form a contract with a spirit beast, so she knew nothing about these things. Even after traversing through many worlds, including some that involved beast-taming, each world followed its own rules.

Only now, after Ling Fei's explanation, did she realize that for the Iron-Eating Beast to take the initiative was such a dangerous choice.

She looked at the beast with softened eyes. "Do you trust me that much?"

The little beast grew shy under her gaze and turned around, showing her its sturdy back.

Yun Jin chuckled softly and said warmly, "Don't worry. Now that our contract is complete, I will never break it, and I will never betray you. You are the spirit beast I chose, and together, we will reach the peak."

The little Iron-Eating Beast didn't turn around. It honestly wasn't sure if this impulsive decision would lead to something good.

But—

It was too late for regrets now.

It had no choice but to trust this new master.

Ling Fei gently patted the beast's head and said to Yun Jin, "It doesn't have a name yet. Remember to give it one later."

Yun Jin nodded in agreement.

"There are a few things you need to know when raising an Iron-Eating Beast. I'll give you a booklet to study. Also, it has some commonly used items. Take them along."

Ling Fei busied himself gathering a large pile of supplies.

Yun Jin thanked him and stored everything in her pouch.

Finally, Ling Fei took out a bottle of beast milk and handed it to her. "This one's for you. You—"

"Elder Ling Fei, you must've known I was thirsty and brought this for me," Yun Jin said, touched.

How thoughtful. She was starting to really like him.

Not wanting to waste his kindness, she accepted it, twisted open the lid, and took a sip.

???

Ling Fei froze.

The Iron-Eating Beast screamed internally.

"THAT'S MY BEDTIME MILK!" It tackled the bottle back.

Yun Jin: "..."

Well.

Awkward.

Ling Fei coughed. "It's… six in human years. Needs milk daily—especially* before sleep. The pavilion supplied it before, but now* you must procure it. I've given you three days' worth. After that…" He trailed off meaningfully.

"Understood," Yun Jin said flatly, as the beast's mental wails echoed:

"MY MILK! MY PRECIOUS—"*

"What kind of master steals from their beast?!"

"Is it too late to regret this now?"